In this section:

Most of the backup and restore processes such as the manual or automated backup configuration and backup destination configuration are the common for the DSC Platforms. The differences for the complete system backup and restore configuration are presented separately for each platform. See Backup Methods.

Backups Web UI

The following image shows the Backups menu in the DSC-SP2000 Web UI.

Backup Types

You can backup the following content on the DSC Platforms.

Complete Configuration Backup

Backs up system and application configuration data.

This backup type is recommended when the system and application configuration has been affected.

System Configuration Backup

Backs up system configuration data, such as networking, Network Time Protocol (NTP), static routes, hostname resolutions, users definitions, passwords, and so on.

This backup type is recommended when the system configuration has been affected.

Application Configuration Backup

Backs up application configuration data, such as MTP2, MTP3, SCCP, GTT, SG, and so on.

This backup type is recommended when the application configuration has been affected.

Backup Methods

The following table shows the backup methods as provided in the DSC-SP2000 Web UI. You can create manual or automated backup files and by defining a backup destination you can send these files using electronic transfer (E-mail, FTP, and so on) to a remote server or store the files locally on an internal device. 

Refer to the following sections for information about configuring the DSC Platforms supported backup methods.

Web UI OptionsRelated Information

Manual Configuration Backup

  • Complete configuration backup
  • System configuration backup
  • Application configuration backup
  • SS7 DB Apps database backup (See note)
  • Default Directory

Perform a Manual Backup

Note

The SS7 Database Application (SDA) is only supported on the DSC 8000 if you have this application licensed on your system. If, in fact, you have this application licensed on your system and you need a backup of the application, contact Customer Support.

Automated Configuration Backup

  • Complete configuration backup
  • System configuration backup
  • Application configuration backup
Automated Backup Configuration
Complete System Backup

Complete System Backup for DSC 8000

Complete System Backup and Restore for the DSC SWe

Restore BackupRestoring DSC Backup Files
Backup SettingsDefining a Backup Destination

Complete System Restore for DSC 8000

Complete System Restore for DSC 8000

Backup Frequency

For all backup types with the exception of the complete system backup the frequency of backup depends on your system activities and changes to the system and application configuration. It is recommended that you perform regular backups based on these changes. You can use either the automated or manual backup utilities provided in the UI to perform these backups. The estimated time for any of these backups should not exceed 30 seconds.

Backup Encryption

Modified: for 23.1.0

By default, all backups will not be encrypted but will still contain a check to determine if a backup can be restored. 

Caution

When you click Submit under Encrypt Backups, all new backup files created will be encrypted, and each backup will be shown as usable or unusable. 



Note

If this is the first time you are using backup encryption, a random key of 64 bytes will be generated for your system and stored in /etc/.kb . This key can only be read or edited by a root user, and will remain constant unless manually changed. 

Warning

If you re-generate a key, even if one was already randomly created previously, then all previous encrypted backups will be unreadable. This is highly discouraged, as this action cannot be undone (even by support). 


Prerequisites for Executing Backup and Restore Procedures

Before you start a backup or restore procedure, it is assumed that you have completed the following tasks:

  • installed the system and executed the initial configuration procedures
  • added the required license keys
  • added a signed certificate from a certificate authority (CA) (optional)

    The system backup will not contain the CA configuration. Before performing a system backup, create a backup of the CA configuration using the dedicated CA backup procedure (refer to Backing up or Restoring CA-signed Certificates).

  • performed the required system management tasks such as system date and time configuration, NTP server configuration, password management tasks
  • are familiar with the system Ethernet configuration
  • logged onto the system as root user
  • are familiar with using the Ribbon Signaling System Web UI
  • have the appropriate USB key for a complete system backup (as required)

    A USB Key is only required if the system that you are backing up is a DSC 8000.

Ensuring a Continuous Backup

The disk space designated for local backups depends on the CPU or VM type as applicable. If this space is full, the following precautionary measurements are executed to ensure your continuous backups:

  • a warning appears in syslog informing you that your scheduled backup failed, because you have reached the allowed maximum storage for backup files (useful for automated backups)
  • a message appears in the Web when you attempt to configure your backup informing you that you cannot perform this task, because you have reached the allowed maximum storage for backup files